In which situation are unbalanced forces acting on an object? (1 point)

Two people stand on the same side
• of a large tire. Both people pull the tire with equal force.
Two people stand on the same side of a large tire. One person pushes the tire and the other pulls the tire with equal force.
Two people stand on opposite sides
• of a large tire. Both people pull the tire with equal force.
Two people stand on opposite sides
• of a large tire. Both people push the tire with equal force.

1 answer

Unbalanced forces act on an object when the forces applied to it do not cancel each other out, leading to a net force. In the situations given:

  • Two people stand on the same side of a large tire. Both people pull the tire with equal force. (Balanced forces: no net force)

  • Two people stand on the same side of a large tire. One person pushes the tire and the other pulls the tire with equal force. (Unbalanced forces, since one is pushing and the other is pulling in opposite directions)

  • Two people stand on opposite sides of a large tire. Both people pull the tire with equal force. (Balanced forces: no net force)

  • Two people stand on opposite sides of a large tire. Both people push the tire with equal force. (Balanced forces: no net force)

Thus, the situation where unbalanced forces are acting on an object is the second one.